Greenhouse Coordinator

FIELD ASSISTANT - GREENHOUSE COORDINATOR

ABOUT THEODORA FARMS
Theodora Farms is an organic vegetable, fruit, herb, and flower farm in Godfrey, IL. Our mission is to catalyze the health and happiness of our region through food and agriculture. We grow and sell the best-tasting, freshest, organic foods by building rich, fertile soils, outstanding production systems, and great business and customer-service practices. We sell produce through our FarmStore, online shop, farm membership (CSA), local farmers markets, and area restaurants. We are Certified Organic by MOSA and the USDA.

EMPLOYMENT AT THEODORA FARMS

At Theodora Farms we love farming. We love to show up, work hard, learn new skills, gain valuable experiences, meet challenges, build careers in regenerative agriculture, and become local food leaders.

We aspire to be great farmers. We are devoted to stewarding land, building rich, fertile soils, and enhancing our environment and ecology. We are passionate about good food. We are thrilled to produce and share the freshest, best-tasting, highest quality foods. We are eager to serve people, to listen to and learn from customers, and to be present in our community. We are dedicated to building a great business . We create value for the farm, our families, our customers, and our community. We are responsible for outcomes. We elevate good agriculture and present ourselves and our work with professionalism and dedication.

We are looking to hire a go-getter interested in field work, greenhouse production and sales. This person must be highly organized, observational and a great problem solver. They will coordinate with farm management, a field crew and retail staff to grow transplants for field production and plant sales. They will be excited to have authority and responsibility over a specific area of the farm, be able to coordinate and lead crew members for tasks, and be able to prioritize decisions on their own (with guidance from farm management). They understand and enjoy farm work and understand the value in having a well coordinated greenhouse to help lead the farm throughout the season.

SUMMARY OF THE FIELD ASSISTANT-GREENHOUSE COORDINATOR POSITION

The Field Assistant-Greenhouse Coordinator will work in all areas of crop production at Theodora Farms, including sowing, planting, cultivation, crop maintenance, harvest, and sales, with specific responsibility and authority for greenhouse plant production and plant maintenance. Field Assistants are assessed on the quality of work, problem-solving, and teamwork as well as customer value, retention, and feedback.

This position is directed by the Farm Manager and supports the farm in every way, including a team of production, marketing and sales, retail and infrastructure managers and staff.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Field Assistant-Greenhouse Coordinators will be primarily responsible for the following:

Field Assistance

• Sow and transplant crops in greenhouses, tunnels and fields

• Prepare fields for crop sowing and transplanting, including the use of tractors and implements

• Cultivate crops and beds using hand tools and tractor implements

• Support crops through trellising, mulching, amending, irrigating, and covering

• Address disease and pest problems using Certified Organic methods

• Harvest, rinse, and pack crops for sale, delivery, and distribution

• Sell produce at farmer’s markets and FarmStore

• Serve customers both at the farm and at off-site markets

Greenhouse Coordination: Planning and Production

• Order, receive, store, and track greenhouse plants, seeds, materials, and supplies for crop production

• Maintain greenhouse specific records for MOSA audits for Organic Certification

• Maintain greenhouse specific data tracking and purchasing for budgets and crop planning

• Coordinate and lead sowing, labeling, prick-outs & maintenance of plant starts

• Coordinate seedling irrigation and moisture management

• Monitor plant starts and mitigate issues related to germination, pest, disease, and nutrients

• Track and report plant inventory, varieties, health, and growth stage at weekly coordinator meetings

• Organize, maintain, clean and repair supplies such as flats, tables, shelving, etc.

• Coordinate service and repairs to greenhouse nursery structure

• Research and apply best practices and planting requirements for polycultures, including light, depth, spacing, temperature, etc.

• Continue to improve systems related to organizing, reporting, growing and purchasing

Greenhouse Coordination: Plant Sale, Promotion, and Distribution

• Coordinate with General Manager to define products, quantities, form and labeling

• Draft seed and plant orders

• Draft sowing schedule in conjunction with distribution dates

• Coordinate with Retail Manager on product availability and retail staff training for plant care

• Contribute to coordination, planning and promotions of plant sales

• Organize distribution of nursery plants for pick up

REQUIREMENTS

• 3 years of full-time work experience, plus 1 year in organic farming

• Interest in making a career in organic farming and gaining and applying new skills

• Available for full-time, year-round work

• Self-motivated work ethic combined with team orientation

• Excellent verbal communication and listening skills

• Positive, punctual, adaptable, friendly, and proactive approach and attitude

• Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license

• Reliable means of communication, including phone, email, or texting devices or capabilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Field Assistant-Greenhouse Coordinator must have the knowledge, skills and ability to:

• Be punctual and coordinated with team start times

• Work both independently and as a member of a team

• Demonstrate listening skills

• Communicate effectively with managers, team members and the public

• Follow and implement instructions individually and while leading team members

• Provide and receive clear feedback

• Complete projects and tasks

• Make independent decisions while ensuring alignment with organizational strategies

• Discern short- and long-term priorities

• Knowledge of agriculture, greenhouse systems and environments is preferred but not required

• Lift 50 pounds

• Work outside in a variety of weather conditions

SCHEDULES & COMPENSATION

This position is full-time, 40 hours/week, seasonal or year-round. This position is compensated hourly including access to a share of the harvest, group health insurance, and paid-time-off.

Compensation based on experience.

TO APPLY

Email a resume, cover letter, and 2 professional references.

Theodora Farms does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, or marital status in employment or the provision of services.

Theodora Farms will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

This job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification.

At this point, Theodora Farms requires employees to be vaccinated for Covid-19.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: From $13.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Godfrey, IL 62035: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: One location

Salary : $13 - $-1